Dear Colleagues:

In difficult economic times like these, charitable giving is more important than ever. Home foreclosures, layoffs, declining retirement funds and other financial reversals are forcing more people to seek help from social service organizations. At the same time, we cannot lose sight of the ongoing need to fight deadly diseases, protect the environment and ensure social justice and equality. That is why the Dragon Drive is proud to support these worthy organizations:

• AIDS Fund
• Bread & Roses Community Fund
• Environmental Fund for Pennsylvania
• United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
• Women’s Way

As employees of Drexel University and the Drexel University College of Medicine, we are fortunate to work for an institution which continues to be successful in so many ways. It is truly a privilege for us to be in a position to help others in need. Faculty and staff have long recognized this fact and always respond superbly to the Dragon Drive. Since the Dragon Drive began in 2001, over $550,000 has been raised to help meet human needs throughout the Delaware Valley, and we are seeking to raise $100,000 more this year. An equally important goal is to keep employee participation high and have over 1,000 donors for the second year in a row.

To help the environment, make giving easier and reflect Drexel's technological preeminence, the Dragon Drive is going green in 2008. In order to reduce excess paper, the Dragon Drive payroll deduction pledge form will now be available only online. Click here to pledge. Complete the form online, submit the data, and then print out a copy for your original signature. Give the signed form to your department captain or send it to the Payroll Department for handling. (NOTE: Payroll won't process your payroll deduction request without an original signature.)

For those who prefer to give by cash or check, the Dragon Drive is pleased to offer two opportunities to make your gift directly to the charity of your choice. Two Days of Caring will be held on Thursday, October 23rd at the New College Building in Room 3506-1 from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, and again on Monday, October 27th in the Behrakis Grand Hall in the Creese Student Center from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm. Charity representatives will be on hand to share information and receive your support by cash or check, and refreshments will be served.

To make the Dragon Drive lots of fun as well as very successful, several of our University vendors have stepped in to help by donating valuable prizes. All donors are eligible and will be entered into a drawing to select the winners. Please click here to view a complete list of prizes.

It has never been more important for us to pull together and make sure that those hurt by economic turmoil have the help they need to get through these tough times. At the same time, we must not lose sight of those efforts that will make our society cleaner, safer and fairer.

Thank you in advance for coming together and supporting the 2008 Dragon Drive.

The Dragon Drive Committee
Joseph Campbell, Assistant Vice President, Student Life and Administrative Services
Elizabeth Delany, Assistant Director, Printing and Mailing Services
Kenneth Goldman, Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Kenya Halliday, Office of Equality and Diversity
Deborah Rizzo, Director, Contract Compliance, University Procurement
Michele Rovinsky, Executive Director of Equality and Diversity

P. S. If you want to keep your gift close to home, note that the Eleventh Street Family Health Services Center, operated by Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions, provides quality health care to vulnerable North Philadelphia residents and can be supported by using code 14489 under United Way on your pledge form.